📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Systems Engineer
Company: Saab
Location: Centurion - 185 Witch-Hazel Avenue, Highveld Technopark, PO Box 8492, South Africa
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Systems Engineering
Date Posted: June 19, 2025
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Lead Systems Engineering (SE) team in executing customer projects, ensuring successful delivery and installation of systems.
Manage requirements, technical performance, and system verification/validation processes.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, system verifiers, and project managers.
Serve as the technical point of contact for customer projects and ensure customer requirements are met.
Coordinate system integration and testing activities to achieve system qualification.
Maintain effective external and internal client relations.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Lead Systems Engineering Process: Plan, manage, and monitor the technical development process for assigned projects. Ensure a sound system baseline and follow the formal SE process.
Requirements Management: Define and allocate requirements, perform functional analysis, and ensure customer requirements are met.
Technical Collaboration: Work with software engineers on software planning, interfaces, and functional specifications. Collaborate with system verifiers on testing and field support.
Technical Reviews: Lead technical reviews and ensure the formal SE process is followed.
Logistic Engineering: Participate in logistic engineering tasks and functions for assigned projects.
System Integration and Testing: Coordinate and participate in system integration and test activities to achieve system qualification. Ensure the system is successfully installed on the platform and accepted both functionally and environmentally.
Client Relations: Ensure effective external and internal client relations, providing technical assistance and supporting project schedules and statements of work (SOW).

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

BSc Engineering Degree, BTech, or similar tertiary qualification.
Specific System Engineering courses (e.g., Ad Sparrius, INCOSE CSEP).

Experience:

Over 10 years of experience in Systems Engineering, preferably on executing customer projects.
More than 5 years of experience in military system development and/or environment on embedded systems.
High competence and prior experience with DOORS.
Generating and compiling of specifications, user manuals, and test procedures.

Required Skills:

Advanced knowledge and relevant previous experience in Systems Engineering Processes and Principles (Systems thinking, life cycles, systems modeling and analysis) and Systems Engineering Management.
Advanced knowledge on one or more military development processes (e.g., HW, SW, mechanical) and Project Management processes.
Advanced professional and technical competencies, including:
- SE principles: Systems Thinking, Life Cycles, Systems Modeling and Analysis.
- Professional Competencies: Communication (Internal and external), Technical Leadership, Negotiation, Coaching and Mentoring.
- Technical Competencies: Requirements Analysis, Systems Architecting, System Integration, System Verification and Validation.
- SE Management: Planning, Monitoring and Control, Decision Management, Configuration Management, Risk and Opportunity Management.
- Integrating competencies: Technical Project Management, System Integration and Testing, Fault Finding and Isolation.

Preferred Skills:

Specific experience in the defence EW environment (Airborne EW, Naval EW, Land Survivability, etc.).
Background on design of Self Protection Systems.
Background on the application of Self Protection Systems and associated Platforms Interfaces.
RF knowledge.
Knowledge and experience of Avicom.
Knowledge on Model Based Systems Engineering.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:
- Demonstrate long-term experience in Systems Engineering, with a focus on customer project execution.
- Showcase successful system delivery and installation projects, highlighting your role in requirements management and technical performance monitoring.
- Highlight your experience with DOORS and other relevant tools used in Systems Engineering.
Technical Documentation:
- Provide examples of specifications, user manuals, and test procedures you have generated and compiled.
- Demonstrate your understanding of system verification and validation processes through relevant documentation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role is estimated to be between ZAR 700,000 and ZAR 1,200,000 per annum, based on market research and industry standards for Senior Systems Engineers in South Africa with 10+ years of experience.

Benefits:

Competitive benefits package, including medical aid, provident fund, and life insurance.
Opportunities for professional development and growth within the company.
A dynamic and challenging work environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defence and Security Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees) Founded: 1922 (as Saab AB, Sweden)

Team Structure:

The Senior Systems Engineer will lead the Systems Engineering team, collaborating with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, system verifiers, and project managers.
The team works on customer projects, focusing on the successful delivery and installation of systems.

Development Methodology:

The team follows Systems Engineering processes and principles, including Systems Thinking, Life Cycles, and Systems Modeling and Analysis.
They use tools such as DOORS for requirements management and collaborate with other teams using Agile methodologies for software development and project management.

Company Website: Saab Group

📝 Enhancement Note: Saab is a large, international defence and security company with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration. The company offers opportunities for professional development and growth within the defence and security industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Systems Engineering Career Level: Senior Systems Engineer roles involve leading Systems Engineering teams, managing requirements, and ensuring successful system delivery and installation. They require advanced knowledge of Systems Engineering principles and processes, as well as experience in military system development and project management.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Systems Engineer reports directly to the Systems Engineering Manager and works closely with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, system verifiers, and project managers.

Technical Impact: Senior Systems Engineers have a significant impact on system design, development, and delivery. They ensure that customer requirements are met and that systems are successfully installed and accepted.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Expand your knowledge and experience in Systems Engineering, military system development, and project management.
Leadership Growth: Develop your technical leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills by guiding and supporting team members.
Career Progression: Progress to senior leadership roles, such as Systems Engineering Manager or Chief Systems Engineer, with increased responsibility for multiple projects and teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Senior Systems Engineer role at Saab offers opportunities for technical and leadership growth, as well as career progression within the defence and security industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a focus on collaboration and innovation. Office Location(s): Centurion - 185 Witch-Hazel Avenue, Highveld Technopark, PO Box 8492, South Africa

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: The office encourages cross-functional collaboration between Systems Engineering, software development, and project management teams.
Modern Workspace: The workspace is equipped with modern tools and technologies to support Systems Engineering tasks and processes.
Flexible Working Hours: The work schedule is flexible, with a focus on meeting project deadlines and maintaining system availability.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site work environment at Saab encourages collaboration and innovation, with a focus on delivering successful system projects and maintaining high system availability.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Screening: A technical phone or video call to assess your understanding of Systems Engineering principles, processes, and tools, as well as your experience with military system development and project management.
On-site Interview: A face-to-face interview with the hiring manager and other team members to discuss your experience, technical skills, and cultural fit. This may include a technical presentation or case study.
Final Decision: A final decision will be made based on the interviews and any additional assessments or references.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your experience in Systems Engineering, with a focus on customer project execution, requirements management, and technical performance monitoring.
Showcase your understanding of system verification and validation processes, as well as your experience with relevant tools and technologies.
Demonstrate your ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and manage project schedules and SOWs.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your knowledge of Systems Engineering principles, processes, and tools, with a focus on military system development and project management.
Prepare for technical questions related to requirements management, system integration, and testing.
Familiarize yourself with the company's products, services, and industry-specific challenges.

ATS Keywords:

Systems Engineering, Requirements Management, Technical Leadership, Project Management, Systems Integration, Verification and Validation, Risk Management, Configuration Management, Communication, Negotiation, Coaching, Systems Architecting, Fault Finding, Embedded Systems, Model Based Systems Engineering, Software Planning, Logistic Engineering, Defence, Security, Military System Development, Avicom.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and interview process for the Senior Systems Engineer role at Saab focuses on assessing your technical skills, experience, and cultural fit. Prepare for technical questions related to Systems Engineering principles, processes, and tools, as well as your experience with military system development and project management.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Systems Engineering Tools:

DOORS ( Requirements Management Tool)
Other relevant tools and technologies used in Systems Engineering, military system development, and project management.

Infrastructure Tools:

Various tools and technologies used in the defence and security industry, depending on the specific project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Senior Systems Engineer role at Saab requires experience with Systems Engineering tools, such as DOORS, as well as an understanding of the infrastructure tools and technologies used in the defence and security industry.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Systems Engineering Values:

Customer Focus: Ensuring that customer requirements are met and that systems are successfully delivered and installed.
Innovation: Continuously improving Systems Engineering processes, tools, and technologies to drive successful project outcomes.
Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, system verifiers, and project managers, to deliver successful system projects.
Quality: Maintaining high-quality standards in Systems Engineering processes, tools, and technologies to ensure successful system delivery and installation.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Collaboration: Working closely with software engineers, system verifiers, and project managers to deliver successful system projects.
Knowledge Sharing: Sharing knowledge and expertise with team members to drive continuous learning and improvement in Systems Engineering processes, tools, and technologies.
Technical Mentoring: Providing guidance and support to team members to help them develop their technical skills and advance their careers in Systems Engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Senior Systems Engineer role at Saab emphasizes customer focus, innovation, collaboration, and quality in Systems Engineering processes, tools, and technologies. The team culture encourages cross-functional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and technical mentoring to drive continuous learning and improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Requirements Management: Effectively managing customer requirements and ensuring they are met throughout the project lifecycle.
System Integration and Testing: Coordinating and participating in system integration and test activities to achieve system qualification and successful installation on the customer platform.
Technical Leadership: Providing technical guidance and support to team members, as well as making critical technical decisions that impact system design, development, and delivery.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Expanding your knowledge and experience in Systems Engineering, military system development, and project management through on-the-job training, workshops, and industry conferences.
Career Progression: Advancing your career in Systems Engineering by taking on increased responsibilities, leading larger projects, and mentoring team members.
Industry-specific Knowledge: Gaining a deeper understanding of the defence and security industry, as well as the specific challenges and opportunities faced by Saab and its customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Senior Systems Engineer role at Saab presents technical challenges related to requirements management, system integration and testing, and technical leadership. The role also offers learning and development opportunities, as well as career progression within the defence and security industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Systems Engineering Principles and Processes: Questions related to Systems Thinking, Life Cycles, Systems Modeling and Analysis, Requirements Management, System Integration, and Verification and Validation.
Military System Development and Project Management: Questions related to your experience with military system development, project management processes, and tools.
Technical Leadership: Questions related to your ability to provide technical guidance and support to team members, as well as make critical technical decisions that impact system design, development, and delivery.

Company & Culture Questions:

Company-specific Knowledge: Questions related to Saab's products, services, and industry-specific challenges and opportunities.
Team Dynamics: Questions related to your ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, system verifiers, and project managers.
Adaptability: Questions related to your ability to adapt to new technologies, tools, and processes in the defence and security industry.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Customer Project Execution: Highlight your experience in executing customer projects, with a focus on requirements management, technical performance monitoring, and successful system delivery and installation.
Technical Expertise: Demonstrate your deep understanding of Systems Engineering principles, processes, and tools, as well as your experience with military system development and project management.
Collaboration and Leadership: Showcase your ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and provide technical guidance and support to team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Senior Systems Engineer role at Saab focuses on assessing your technical skills, experience, and cultural fit. Prepare for technical questions related to Systems Engineering principles, processes, and tools, as well as your experience with military system development and project management. Familiarize yourself with the company's products, services, and industry-specific challenges and opportunities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Systems Engineer position:

Customize Your Portfolio: Highlight your experience in executing customer projects, with a focus on requirements management, technical performance monitoring, and successful system delivery and installation. Showcase your understanding of system verification and validation processes, as well as your experience with relevant tools and technologies.
Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to the Senior Systems Engineer role, emphasizing your experience with Systems Engineering principles, processes, and tools, as well as your experience with military system development and project management. Highlight your technical skills, leadership abilities, and cultural fit.
Prepare for Technical Interviews: Brush up on your knowledge of Systems Engineering principles, processes, and tools, with a focus on military system development and project management. Prepare for technical questions related to requirements management, system integration, and testing. Familiarize yourself with the company's products, services, and industry-specific challenges and opportunities.
Research the Company: Gain a deep understanding of Saab's products, services, and industry-specific challenges and opportunities. Prepare for questions related to the company's culture, values, and team dynamics.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Senior Systems Engineer